Meet Lauri Orders. This mama of three opens up about her motherhood journey, gives us a glimpse of her beautiful home and swears by her design style to “Live with what you Love”. All of this while running her own design firm, By the Bay Design . Here I spent an afternoon last summer, soaking in her lifestyle and discussing her most treasured gifts, her children. I was immediately inspired as she appreciates that time is fleeting and these moments are cherished.

Tell me a little about your background.

I was born in England, moved back to U.S.A at 3 years old and have lived in 21012 since (minus my 10th grade year where I lived in Newport, R.I.). I am a product of AACPS and taught high school in the system at North County High School for 10 years before becoming a stay at home mom for 12 years and launching my own business By the Bay Designs.

What inspired you to do what you do?

I LOVE home design and décor and really wanted a profession that I could do from home and have flexible hours. Our kids live under our roof for such a short time in the large picture and I don’t want to miss anything when it comes to them.

What is something most don’t know about you?

Ummmm….I wish I would have had one more baby. Age caught me, BUT I am beyond blessed with 3 very healthy and happy children!

Tell us about your company and what a client can expect?

By the Bay Designs was inspired by waterfront living and the tranquility and beauty of the Chesapeake Bay. Clients can expect a professional and personal approach to making their home into something they love. My motto is “Live with what you Love”

Best part of being a mom?

The unconditional love you feel for your child is indescribable at times. Being a mom makes me a better person every day. Seeing the world again through the eyes of a child. I just wish it would slow down.

Hardest part?

Having them grow up at warp speed and seeing them hurt.

What does a typical day look like for you?

5:30 am alarm goes off, work out 6-7, 7-9 get kids ready for school, lunches/bus stop, once kids are gone straighten up around house, shower and work until 3:30/4, greet kids off of bus and start the afternoon shuttle to all the activities/sports, eat dinner 7-8ish with family, bed by 10ish, repeat!

What is your personal style? Your go-to staple pieces?

Casual!!! Jeans and boots in the winter, sundress and flip flops in the summer.

Your beauty routine? Favorite products? Shortcuts?

No real routine…I wash my face morning and night, put on eye cream and moisturizer with SPF always. My skin is in bad shape from all the sun damage growing up and being a product of the 80’s baby oil craze. My biggest vain regret ever. I really like EVER foundation and the product line.

Wellness and exercise routine?

I take an hour every single day to exercise. I lift weights and do cardio. It is a MUST for me daily!

What is the best parenting advice you have ever received?

Never say never! At the holidays do your own thing from the get go! You now have your own family and can start your own traditions.

Just as my mottos says, “Live with what you love!” Your home should be a reflection of you and what you love.

What is your favorite room in the house?

Not sure I can pick just one. I love Kitchens, Master Bedrooms and Bathrooms, Powder Rooms because they are a smaller space and my go to is always wallpaper in them for some FUN and Great Rooms. They are all fun and gorgeous spaces!!

Anything coastal! I love artwork by Kim Hovell and most anything with a coastal flair!

How do you curate all your children’s toys?

Each child has a bin or two where I save favorite books, toys, outfits, baby spoons, etc.

Tell us about your children’s rooms and the inspiration behind them?

My son’s (Carter) passion is fishing so his room is painted Hale Navy Blue and decorated with fish, nautical accessories and nautical maps as well as his bathroom.

My middle daughter (Lizzie) is happy go lucky and fun so we decorated her room in bright vibrant colors. Her walls are a shade of turquoise (happens to also be one of my favorite colors you see throughout my home), yellow, pink and white. She has a really fun loft bed and several custom canvas paintings of a surfboard and a seahorse. She also has a super fun chair swing made out of rope hanging from the ceiling. Her room is run and alive!

My youngest Brooke is by far the happiest and funniest kid I have ever known. She is a tomboy and, in her words, “I am a Thomasboy”. Her room is super soft and sweet with a light shade of blue on the walls, pink seahorses and a white headboard monogramed and piped in pink. Not at all her personality because she likes everything boys like, but she is ok with it. ☺

What advice would you give other mothers who are hoping to start their own business?

Go for it! There will never be the perfect time. Set goals that are attainable and take small steps that you can handle. Never over promise and under deliver. Find a group of supportive women who also have started their own business. Don’t be afraid to ask other women who have done it for tips!

How do you balance work and family life? Do you have a productivity tricks you could share?

Balancing work and family life is THE HARDEST part of it all. I am not going to lie or sugar coat it, but it is HARD, and I struggle. If anyone out there has any tips, PLEASE let me know. lol

What are your thoughts on competition?

Community vs competition! When I went with my best designer friend to High Point, NC, the focus there was community vs. competition and we both fell in love with the slogan. We should support, help, empower and encourage others always!

I live on the Magothy River so locally we love The Point and Deep Creek and usually take the boat when we can. We play mostly on the lacrosse field with my 3 kids!

Favorite family recipe you would like to share?

I have 2 and both are from my Grandmothers.

Georgia Biscuits made by Gram (Belfast, Maine)

Soften 1 package of yeast in 2 cups of waterSift into bowl 5 cups of flour1 teaspoon of salt2 tablespoons for sugarCut in 1 stick of butterAdd 2/3 cup of dry milk add yeast mixtureRoll out after a brief kneading and cut with biscuit cutter. Brush top with melted butter and place biscuits one on top of another on greased baking sheet. Let rise for one hour in warm place.Bake 12-15 minutes at 450.

Pistachio Salad made by Susie Grammie (Oil City, Pennsylvania)

1 3oz package of instant pistachio pudding1 16oz can fruit cocktail do not drain1 cup marshmallows small ones1 container of cool whip1 can of Mandarin oranges drainedMix pistachio pudding and fruit cocktail, then add marshmallows, cool whip and mandarin orangesTop with walnuts if desiredCover and put in the refrigerator for a least a couple of hours.

these are my thoughts. my family. and my clients. please do not use my images without my written permission. all content is copyright and owned by lee kriel and lkphotography unless stated otherwise. thank you for being considerate.